Leaders allied to the Azimio la Umoja coalition have fired back at the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome over pronouncing the planned anti-government protests as illegal.
IG Koome on Sunday morning termed the planned protests as illegal, vowing to deploy enough police officers to tame any possibility of chaos.
Speaking during a church service in Embakasi on Sunday, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi called out IG Koome for his pronouncement questioning the grounds upon which his statement was made.
MP Wandayi argued that they have complied with the law by issuing a protest notice in due time and IG Koome has no right to bar Azimio from marching into the CBD.
“The other day they told us that our notice was handed in late and that is why they termed the protests illegal. This time round we have given a notice for tomorrow’s actions a week in advance,” said Wandayi.
MP Wandayi, therefore, affirmed that they will not cower from entering the streets of Nairobi tomorrow and that they have the right to protest as guided by law.
“Let me tell you Mr. Koome that the right that have been enshrined in the constitution which Kenyans fought for are not favours from any particular person or authority,” he said.
“Especially the right to congregate, picket, demonstrate and to do anything we want to do, we shall continue to exercise it whether you like it or not. People must respect each other.”
Echoing Wandayi’s sentiments, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa noted that the protest is still on, urging Kenyans to do so peacefully.
“Protesting does not depend on the generosity of Mr. Bungei, IG Koome, President Ruto or Gachagua. It is our constitutional right,” said Wamalwa.
“We have complied with the law and we urge Kenyans to show up in peace we protest together.”